Clutch thoughts, issues, comparisons

[TouringBubble]

To keep the fluid thread on track I've made this one for clutch discussion.

Continued from the other thread ... I haven't heard of lockout issues with the ACT 6-puck, only the full faced HD street clutch.

A friend recently got a SPEC sprung 6-puck and I like the feel of it, but SPEC's torque ratings are a bit lower than ACT for a similar clutch. I also cannot find a sprung 6-puck in their product listing. I know it exists though.

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

I have never been a huge fan of the way spec clutches feel. I have heard of horror storries of their clutches blowing up under heavy stress, although I have never seen this myself.

I am a huge fan of ACT HD street clutches. I have never experienced any lockout issues with it either, maybe I got lucky? We just installed one on Gran's car (ZIGZAG) and I believe he liked it quite a bit aswell.

[Evolvedgti]

I currently have the 6-puck sprung. At first It chattered alot taking off. I did the proper break-in. I have about 2000 miles on it now, and Its isnt really bad. I am starting to like it more.
The people that are doing my work/build suggest against it, but I realize that they have some thing to gain suggesting something they sell. I am at a cross-road deciding on which clutch will suit me.

Last week coming down to Texas, I gased it in 3rd coming off the on-ramp. It locked me out. I may have been over -zealous, or maybe it needs adjusting. Over-all though, I do like this clutch!

[TouringBubble]

I've heard the same stories about SPEC, but also have never seen it. A friend of a friend here locally works for SPEC and can get us good deals.

I've driven my friends car with the SPEC 6-puck and it drives really well. The pedal feel is just heavier than stock and chatter is minimal. It's a little tougher to take off at a light, but a couple of days on it would make it smoother. I haven't gotten locked out the few times I've dragged it. Engagement and bite are awesome on the strip ... a huge improvement over stock.

As for the ACT, I think the biggest issue is the adjustment. I think adjusting the clutch correctly and adding a braided clutch line would get rid of a lot of the issues people have. I think the HD street just needs a little more adjustment than the other ACT offerings. For the price, the ACT sprung 6-puck seems the best way to go.

[Evolvedgti]

[/quote]
As for the ACT, I think the biggest issue is the adjustment. I think adjusting the clutch correctly and adding a braided clutch line would get rid of a lot of the issues people have. I think the HD street just needs a little more adjustment than the other ACT offerings. For the price, the ACT sprung 6-puck seems the best way to go.[/QUOTE]


This why I am heavily thinking about of keeping it. I have the a braided line. And I find myself thinking about 'if' the clutch goes out, the prices for the rebuild kit. ACT of Lancershop for the 6puck is only 139.95 for a new disk!


http://www.lancershop.com/customer/product.php?productid=1455&cat=113&page=1

Plus it would save me over 2 G right now off this 'build'

This is hard!

[Chemwarrior]

I've done a lot of reading on evom about clutches and the general concensus is that the Exedy Twin (granted it cost more) is the best one to get if you are looking for similar stock pedal feel and will hold future power adders. I'm not wanting to buy a lower priced clutch only to replace it in the future. I want to get it once and only pay for it once. $500 for a clutch install is no chump change. BTW how much does Sharif charge for a clutch install?

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

I've done a lot of reading on evom about clutches and the general concensus is that the Exedy Twin (granted it cost more) is the best one to get if you are looking for similar stock pedal feel and will hold future power adders. I'm not wanting to buy a lower priced clutch only to replace it in the future. I want to get it once and only pay for it once. $500 for a clutch install is no chump change. BTW how much does Sharif charge for a clutch install?

A few things, I dont believe the Exedy Twin is anywhere in the ballpark of similar to stock. Its a great clutch no doubt, but its much more aggressive than stock. The ACT can handly 497tq, which I dont believe your going to have to replace unless your packing some heat ;)

We charge $700 for a clutch job. Its an 8 hour job but we only charge 7 hours. The clutch in our cars is a PITA. My recommendation is a ACT for DD use or power up to around 400whp. Carbonetics or Exedy twin up to 500whp. Carbonetics or Exedy tripple anything over that. Obviously the lower power clutches can handle more powe than what I recommend, but I like to be on the safe side with clutches, plus I love the feel of a multidisk clutch.

[Chemwarrior]

I was actually first looking at the ACT HDSS because of its price and power handling capabilities but I read many postings about high rpm lockout. Is that really a problem?

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

It seems to be a problem but I have driven on that clutch before for about 10K miles and never experienced that issue. We have also installed several of these here at Forged and none of our customers have experienced this issue either. I wonder if it could be caused by an improper install?

[Chemwarrior]

Now you have me torn Ryan. I didn't mind spending the extra money for the Exedy but if I can save almost 1k for a less expensive clutch but one that will suit my needs then more power to me.

[Evolvedgti]

Now you have me torn Ryan. I didn't mind spending the extra money for the Exedy but if I can save almost 1k for a less expensive clutch but one that will suit my needs then more power to me.

My point exactly. I have a RED sitting at 'home' (read. hotel) and I dont know what 'mugen' got for TQ, but the 'norm' is around 350-450 tq depending on mods. When I was stock I felt I have a factory beast, and I started modding it felt slower than others! I dont know where i will be, which makes this choice hard. What I do know is I drive like a pansie alot, too many run-in's with the po-po.

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

Since your built doesnt include dropping the motor/trans why not see what power you make and then decide accordingly after you make the power?

[TripperFx3]

My vote with the lockout issue with the HDSS is bad install. I've had mine for over 10k and no problems.

As far as the SPEC goes, I've only dealt with them in the 240sx world where they have a fairly good reputation. My friends SR powered 240sx had one in it and it was a 6 puck sprung I believe and it had very light feel. Just slightly stiffer than stock. Not saying it'll be the same in the Evo, but very well could be.

[Chemwarrior]

My point exactly. I have a RED sitting at 'home' (read. hotel) and I dont know what 'mugen' got for TQ, but the 'norm' is around 350-450 tq depending on mods. When I was stock I felt I have a factory beast, and I started modding it felt slower than others! I dont know where i will be, which makes this choice hard. What I do know is I drive like a pansie alot, too many run-in's with the po-po.

I don't plan on adding a turbo as my current setup is sufficient for me. I say that now but we all know how long that last. So I'm thinking the ACT will be good enough. But therein lies the rub, I don't want to be good enough. I want to ensure that this purchase will be a one time deal.

[Chemwarrior]

If I am considering the ACT MB7, should I get the six puck or the four puck?

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

If I am considering the ACT MB7, should I get the six puck or the four puck?

There should be a ACT MB7 HDSS which is a street disc, not a puck.

[Evolvedgti]

Since your built doesnt include dropping the motor/trans why not see what power you make and then decide accordingly after you make the power?

I see your point and likely do that, but.. my build does include dropping. I am getting the bushwacker tranny, so they WILL be in there!

[TouringBubble]

What about this ...

Why do people buy the HDSS instead of the sprung 6-puck? The 6-puck is very streetable, holds more TQ and is cheaper than the HDSS. There are also fewer reports of lockout on the 6-puck ...

[Evolvedgti]

MB7-XTG6
Xtreme Pressure Plate
Clamps load increase of 50% to 120%, Pedal feels moderate to stiff, Many SFI Certified to insure safety

Spring Centered (6 Pad) Disc
Recommended for Road Racing and high power Street, Increased torque capacity and spline life, Very good durability and good spline life, Quiet operation, reduced driveline shock



726 57 MB-017X 6240608 RB601 N/A AT03


This is the one I have, so even if that is at the fly wheel TQ, thats what like 550-600 ft lb/tq at the wheels! Thoughts? Especially, since Forged will be changing my fluids like we talked about!

[bomjoon]

i haz act with SS lines and no lock out problems

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

I see your point and likely do that, but.. my build does include dropping. I am getting the bushwacker tranny, so they WILL be in there!

pfft! You didnt tell me that!

[Evolvedgti]

pfft! You didnt tell me that!

PFFt, back at you. Where did you think the 'high' cost came from. I am doing alot more than you know! hehe

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

PFFt, back at you. Where did you think the 'high' cost came from. I am doing alot more than you know! hehe

apparently, lol. You never mentioned that to me. I thought I knew the details, but I was wrong, lol. BTW I gave in and put a TBE on the MR, lol.

[Evolvedgti]

So you see why this Clutch thing is bothering me.
You know more than others though. Not to go too much in detail, but minus the mini-battery, I am pretty much doing stages 1-6, my 6 is the red, ported manifolds and T/b. along with the Tranny. I told you that They suggest the ceramettalic tripple for $2350!

Other odds and ends too, like the COP as well.

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

ya, I would probably suggest a twin for your power level, although I think the ACT would hold up just fine. Tripple would be good for life, guaranteed.

[Evolvedgti]

Yeah , my stomach is telling to to hold off on the clucth and stay with the ACT right now. I AM starting to like it.

Good for you, buying the TBE, do you think you will upgrade the FMIC? I know this one guy that will be selling his 3.5" ETS in January for CHEAP ;)

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

I dunno man, Im still trying not to go crazy on this one. I will probably just do a MBC and have Sharif tune it and call it a day for awhile. I want to do a few exterior stuff too.

[bomjoon]

matt can controll boost from the ecu. no need for the mbc.

im sure sharif can do the same.

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

then why do people buy boost controllers -_- I thought they helped to control the boost even though you can program the ECU

[Chemwarrior]

It is possible to control boost using the ECU and BCS but most people use a MBC because it is easier to do when you are starting mods.

[bomjoon]

yeah like meh. i didnt know better at the time. but i saw matt doing this to his car and i was like ... well that was a waste of 140$... lol

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

Ill probably do a MBC anyways

[TouringBubble]

ECU controlled boost is great when a really wide powerband is needed. Auto-x and road course cars are a good example of this. You can bump the TQ down low w/ more boost while tuning in a purposeful taper up top for thermal management. This gives more options for up/down shift points. However, depending on the solenoid and setup, transient boost response may be affected.

It's also useful for drag cars as an active boost control method usually allows for less taper up top. Most manual boost controllers will only allow 90% to 95% of the available boost pressure at redline ... they will leak a little pressure to the WG. An electronic solenoid can easily shut the WG flow completely off, the it's the WG's job to hold closed.

Again ... we're off topic ... starting a new thread ...

[BlewByYouEvoVIII]

Im also considering trying out the Competition Clutch for street use. Its the one still in R&D but I believe it is supposed to compete with the ACT.

[bomjoon]

your face is supposed to compete... but it dont.

ohhhhh~~~~

[TouringBubble]

^ weaksauce J Dog.

[bomjoon]

its ok.